Homemade strudel

Homemade strudels - a delight that combines tradition with flavor, a perfect choice for any occasion. These strudels are so tender that they melt in your mouth, and the secret lies in the thin sheets, prepared with much patience and love. If you are looking for a quick yet impressive dessert recipe, you have come to the right place!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients

For the sauce:
- 6 tablespoons of oil
- 4 tablespoons of flour

For the strudel dough:
- 12 tablespoons of oil
- 12 tablespoons of sparkling water
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 packet of baking powder
- Flour as needed (approximately 500 g, but adjust as needed)

For the filling:
1. Apple and cinnamon strudel:
- 5 apples (peeled and grated)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar

2. Sweet cheese strudel:
- 300 g sweet cheese
- 3 packets of vanilla sugar

Preparing the sauce

1. In a small saucepan, add the 6 tablespoons of oil and the 4 tablespoons of flour.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously. You will notice how the mixture starts to form bubbles. This is the moment when the sauce becomes airy and light.
3. Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool completely. It is essential that it is cold when you use it to grease the sheets.

Preparing the strudel dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the oil, sparkling water, egg, salt, and baking powder. Mix well to obtain a homogeneous composition.
2. Gradually add the flour, stirring continuously, until you obtain an elastic and smooth dough. It should be softer than bread dough, but firm enough to be rolled out.
3. Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. During this time, the sauce will cool completely.

Preparing the filling

Apple and cinnamon strudel

1. In a bowl, combine the grated apples, sugar, and vanilla sugar. Mix well and let the filling sit, so the apples release their juices.

Sweet cheese strudel

1. In another bowl, mix the sweet cheese with the vanilla sugar until you obtain a homogeneous composition.

Assembling the strudel

1. After the dough has rested, divide it into 4 equal portions.
2. On a well-floured work surface, start rolling out the first portion of dough with a rolling pin. The goal is to obtain a sheet as thin as possible, almost transparent, so that you can see through it. This is an important step to achieve tender and airy strudels.
3. Evenly grease the sheet with the cold sauce, being careful not to leave any uncovered areas.
4. At the ends of the sheet, add the chosen filling (apples or cheese) and roll the sheet halfway. Then, cut portions of the desired size and place them in a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. Repeat the process with the other portions of dough.

Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius.
2. Place the tray in the oven and bake the strudels for about 45 minutes, or until they become golden and crispy.
3. Once ready, let them cool slightly, then sprinkle powdered sugar on top.

Serving and variations

These strudels are perfect to be served warm or at room temperature. They are ideal as a quick dessert for a festive meal or as a snack alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Possible variations:
- Try adding nuts or raisins to the apple filling for an extra texture.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or cherries, instead of apples.
- For a touch of freshness, add a little lemon zest to the cheese filling.

Nutritional benefits

These strudels are a source of carbohydrates, proteins, and vitamins, depending on the chosen filling. Apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, while sweet cheese provides protein and calcium.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use store-bought pastry sheets?
While it is an option, homemade sheets are much more tender and delicious, and the preparation process makes them truly special.

2. How can I store the strudels?
Strudels can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat them slightly in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

3. Can I freeze the strudels?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Place them in an airtight container and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Personal note

This homemade strudel recipe is one of my favorites, and I am sure it will become one of yours too. There is nothing more satisfying than sharing a cake you made with your own hands with your loved ones. Plus, the aroma that spreads throughout the house while baking is simply irresistible!

So, let’s put on our aprons and enjoy the cooking process! I assure you that every bite will be an explosion of flavor and an unforgettable pleasant memory.

 Ingredients: Ingredients for ciulama: 6 tablespoons of oil, 4 tablespoons of flour. Ingredients for the strudel dough: 12 tablespoons of oil, 12 tablespoons of sparkling water, 1 egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 packet of baking powder, flour as needed. Ingredients for strudel with 2 fillings: strudel with apples and cinnamon (5 peeled apples, grated, 3 tablespoons of sugar, 1 packet of vanilla sugar) strudel with sweet cheese (300 grams of sweet cheese, 3 packets of vanilla sugar).

 Tags:  strudels